Combination treatment with 30% salicylic acid and fractional CO ₂ laser for acne scars: A 20‐week prospective, randomized, split‐face study

Abstract

Multiple approaches are used to treat acne scars, but some are expensive, ineffective, and cause complications. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultra-pulsed CO 2 fractional laser combined with 30% supramolecular salicylic acid in the treatment of acne scars in a prospective split-face control study. Twenty patients with facial symmetrical acne scars were enrolled. One side of face was randomly treated with 30% supramolecular salicylic acid, and two sides were treated with ultra-pulsed CO 2 fractional laser. The Echelle d'evaluation clinique des cicatrices d'acne (ECCA) scale was used to evaluate the clinical efficacy before and 3 months after treatment, and a quartile scale was used to self-evaluate the improvement of patients. A visual analog scale was used to record pain scores after each treatment, and side effects and other adverse reactions on the face were recorded. All the patients completed treatment and follow-up. There was statistical difference in ECCA scores of bilateral facial acne scars after three treatments (p < 0.001). ECCA scores on the combined side were lower after three treatments than those on the laser side (p = 0.003). The patient satisfaction quartile scale on the combined side was higher than that on the laser side alone (p = 0.015). Ultra-pulsed CO 2 fractional laser combined with 30% supramolecular salicylic acid has better efficacy in the treatment of acne scars than laser alone, and patient self-assessment of combined treatment has a greater degree of improvement in acne scars, and does not increase patient pain scores and related adverse reactions.

1927nm fractional thulium fiber laser combined with 30% salicylic acid for the treatment of acne and acne scars: A prospective, randomized, and split‐face study

“…We reported the safety of combining TFL and 30%SSA chemical peeling in acne patients. This is in line with other studies where other laser devices are combined with SA 37–39 . In our study, the safety is further guaranteed with supramolecular technology.…”

“…This is in line with other studies where other laser devices are combined with SA. [37][38][39] In our study, the safety is further guaranteed with supramolecular technology. With the rapid development of science and technology, supramolecular binding elements are increasingly employed in the design of biomaterials.…”

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of laser interventions for facial acne scars: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis

“…Some 14 interventions were involved in the 18 included studies ( 1 , 6 , 8 , 10 , 12 , 14 , 15 , 17 , 18 , 26 , 32 , 38 , 40 , 43 , 49 , 50 , 56 , 61 ), among which 6 were combined therapies [1064Nd + 15%VC, Er + RF, 30%SC + FCL, FCL + PRP, FCL + HA, FCL + SC-CM (stem cell-conditioned medium)] and 8 were monotherapies (1064Nd, Er, FCL, MTS, ASC, RF, 1927FTL, PDL). The network demonstrated the direct or indirect relationship between the 14 interventions.…”

“…This indicates that salicylic acid can achieve better therapeutic effects with fewer laser treatments. The economic burden can be reduced for patients without increasing pain and adverse reactions ( 6 ). However, this study found that there was no difference in the cure rate between FCL and FCL + 30%SC, indicating that 30%SC might only be advantageous in increasing the efficiency of laser for 1 time.…”

“…Among the population aged 11–30 years, 80% may experience acne at some point, with subsequent scarring affecting about 40% ( 5 ). Among the types of scars, the depressed acne scar is relatively serious, which manifests the likeness of an orange peel, ice pick, meteorite crater, and so on ( 6 ). Acne scarring is associated with people’s satisfaction with their appearance, low self-esteem, and inferiority complex, which can result in anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts ( 7 ).…”